Pocket protector

ABSTRACT

This invention refers to a pocket protector for the pockets on clothing. The pocket protector of the present invention consists of an outer pocket fabric, and an inner pocket fabric, secured along their edges to form a pocket; wherein the improvement comprises a reinforcing material that is affixed to and runs down the outer fabric of the pocket and is affixed to and runs up the inner fabric of the pocket. Thus, when a pickpocket cuts the pocket fabric, the reinforcing material is not cut, and the reinforcing material cradles the contents of the pocket, and keeps the contents of the pocket from falling into the hands of the thief

Pickpockets steal wallets. This invention refers to a pocket protector for the pockets on clothing. The device described in this invention is used to prevent pick-pockets from using a sharp tool to cut the fabric of their victims pocket, below the contents of the pocket, so that the contents will fall out of the pocket. Other, anti-pick pocket devices are known in the art: U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,524, U.S. Pat. No. 4,891,865 and, U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,321. These devices are too complex to be readily incorporated into clothing, and do not adequately protect the contents of the pocket from a slit in the garment below the pocket contents. It is the purpose of this invention to provide additional protection and convenience.

The pocket protector of the present invention consists of an outer pocket fabric, and an inner pocket fabric, secured along their edges to form a pocket; wherein the improvement comprises a reinforcing material that is affixed to and runs down the outer fabric of the pocket and is affixed to and runs up the inner fabric of the pocket. Thus, when a pickpocket cuts the pocket fabric, the reinforcing material is not cut, and the reinforcing material cradles the contents of the pocket, and keeps the contents of the pocket from falling into the hands of the thief. The pocket protector is useful for all sorts of pockets including external pockets, used with jeans, and internal pockets, found in dress pants.

FIG. 1, shows a prospective view of an exterior trouser pocket.

FIG. 2, shows a cut away view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3, shows a prospective view of an interior pocket as seen when the dress pants are turned inside out with a section of the pocket fabric cut away so as to illustrate the placement of the reinforced material.

FIG. 4, shows a cut away view of FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pocket comprises an outer pocket fabric 1, and an inner pocket fabric, 2, sewn along their lateral edges 3 and 4 and along of the lower edge 5 to form a pocket; the improvement comprising a stainless steel wire, 6, which is secured to the inner surface of the outer pocket fabric and the outer surface of the inner pocket fabric with embroidery stitching, 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the pocket, comprises an outer pocket fabric, 1, and an inner pocket fabric, 2, sewn along their lower edge, 5. A stainless steel wire, 6, is affixed to the outer fabric of the pocket, 1, and the inner fabric of the pocket, 2, with embroidery stitching, 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the pocket comprises an outer pocket fabric 8, and an inner pocket fabric, 9, sewn along their lateral edges 10 and 11 and along of the lower edge 12 to form a pocket. The pocket is sewn to the exterior fabric of the dress pants 13 at the opening of the pocket, 14. As shown in the figure the pocket is partly cut away to show the improvement comprising a stainless steel wire, 15, which is secured to the inner surface of the outer pocket fabric and the outer surface of the inner pocket fabric with embroidery stitching 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the pocket, comprises an outer pocket fabric, 16, and an inner pocket fabric, 17, sewn along their lower edge, 18 and sewn to the exterior fabric of the dress pants, 19. A stainless steel wire, 20, is affixed to the outer fabric of the pocket, 16, and the inner fabric of the pocket, 17, with embroidery stitching, 21. The reinforcing material must by strong enough to stop a knife blade, razor blade or box knife. It can be a single continuous thread or ribbon or wire or even multiple strands; and, it is not necessary that all the strands are strong enough to withstand the cut of the knife blade so long as some of the strands do. Many different types of reinforcing material are known to people skilled in the art; however, a flexible stainless steel wire is preferred because the use of steel gives the user of the pocket protector a feeling of security. Many different means for affixing the reinforcing material to the pocket fabric are known to people skilled in the art; however, embroidery stitching is preferred because the stitching on the outer fabric is visible to pickpockets and may discourage them from plying their trade, and because the embroidery stitching on the inner fabric can by felt by the user and gives the user some form of reassurance that their valuables are being protected. The reinforcing material can be affixed to the fabric during the original manufacture of the garment or as a retrofit. In the retro fit application it is preferred that the reinforcing material be affixed to the inside of the pocket with button stitches or an iron on patch. The reinforcing material can be affixed to either the side of the inner pocket fabric and either side of the outer pocket fabric, and can be woven, or sewn, or otherwise incorporated into the pocket fabric itself For example, the embroidery stitching, itself, could be used as the reinforcing material if it is strong enough to stop a knife blade. 

1. A pocket protector consisting of an outer pocket fabric, and an inner pocket fabric, secured along their edges to form a pocket; wherein the improvement comprises a reinforcing material that is affixed to and runs down the outer fabric of the pocket and is affixed to and runs up the inner fabric of the pocket.
 2. A pocket as recited in claim 1, wherein the reinforcing material is flexible stainless steel wire.
 3. The pocket as recited in claim 2, wherein the flexible stainless steel wire is affixed to the outer pocket fabric and the inner pocket fabric with embroidery stitching.
 4. The pocket as recited in claim 2, wherein the flexible stainless steel wire is affixed to the outer pocket fabric and the inner pocket fabric with an iron on patch.
 5. A pocket as recited in claim 2, wherein the reinforcing material is flexible multiple strand stainless steel wire.
 6. A pocket as recited in claim 2, wherein the stainless steel wire has multiple strands. 